Helping Employers Save Money & Medical Debt Relief

May 23, 2025


 
 

The House is meeting regularly in the chamber to vote on bills to improve our state. The days are filled with intense debate while we collaborate to advance important legislation for our communities and beyond. I'll walk you through how we're helping businesses save money and how we're also supporting our brave state police.

Medical debt relief is coming to more than 100,000 people who live in Connecticut. I'll dig deeper into who is eligible and show you what a sample letter looks like.

Memorial Day is just around the corner, and our towns will honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I have a breakdown of all the upcoming ceremonies and parades taking place this weekend.

Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:

  • Saving Money for All Employers
  • Raise for State Police Troopers
  • Local Nonprofit Promotes Its Services
  • More Medical Debt Relief
  • Memorial Day Weekend Events
  • Speaking to Constituents in Hamden
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 

Saving Money for All Employers
House Democrats passed legislation saving money for EVERY EMPLOYER in the state since all of them faced skyrocketing workers’ compensation claims costs after a CT Supreme Court ruling.

This legislation was a top priority of businesses and municipalities and saves them millions of dollars. Business advocates estimate workers’ compensation costs would have increased 265% absent any action.
 

Raise for State Police Troopers

The House approved a proposal to enact a 2.5% raise and a step increase for the Connecticut State Police. Troopers deserve salaries that reflect the essential work they provide to our state and can help recruit more officers to serve. There is a concern for public safety since we've seen a 25% decline in staffing prior to 2010.

The Senate also passed the deal, which now heads to the governor's desk. He is expected to sign it into law since he brokered the agreement with the Connecticut State Police Union in April.
 

Local Nonprofit Promotes Its Services

It was great to see my friends from the Woodbridge nonprofit Marrakech, which supports young people and adults with disabilities. The organization visited the State Capitol with at least 50 other nonprofits to request more state funding and to demonstrate how its staff is enhancing the quality of life across the state. Thank you for continuing to make such a big difference in our communities!
 

More Medical Debt Relief

The second round of medical debt relief is on the way, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and made possible through our partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.

Keep an eye out for an official letter from Undue Medical Debt. THIS IS NOT JUNK MAIL! There is no application process, no catch, just relief.

Who qualifies?

  • Individuals earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level
  • Those whose medical debt equals 5% or more of annual income

This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to health equity, financial relief, and a more compassionate healthcare system for all Connecticut residents.
 
Click here to see a sample letter!
 

Memorial Day Weekend Events

I would like to wish everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend. This is a time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday and to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives serving our country.

As someone with deep ties to our military, Memorial Day is very meaningful. We must never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. They are forever in our hearts and memories.

Please join the community for the Memorial Day events parades listed below to pay tribute to our fallen heroes.

Derby: 

  • Service on Friday at 6 p.m. at Derby High School
  • Parade on Monday at 9 a.m. at Wharf St. & Howe Ave. (more info here)

Woodbridge:

  • Ceremony on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Monument at 4 Meetinghouse Lane. The event will include patriotic music, a memorial wreath presentation, and much more. CLICK HERE for more details.

Orange: 

  • Parade on Sunday at 11 a.m. at High Plains Community Center

Hamden: 
 

Speaking to Constituents in Hamden

It was a pleasure to answer questions and break down our legislative priorities at a community town hall in Hamden last week. It was an opportunity for us to address any concerns, hear feedback, and provide context to our decision making in Hartford. Thank you to the delegation for joining me at this engaging event!
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

In addition to all the fun events planned above, on Saturday, May 31, you will be able to tour the inside of the Sterling Opera House from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Derby Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Hamden

Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.
More Hamden Events
 

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

The community is welcome to stop by a lemonade stand fundraiser for the Connecticut Alzheimer's Association in honor of Richard Eichler. The stand will open on Monday, May 26 at 12 p.m. at the corner of Windy Hill Road and Wagon Trail in Orange.

Case Memorial Library is hosting a conversation helping you clear your space and protect our planet. The session will take place on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. CLICK HERE to learn more and register!
Orange Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Check out the events and community calendar below.

Massaro Community Farm's bee keeping workshop returns on Saturday, May 24 at 9 a.m. Participants will perform routine hive inspections and evaluate colony health during the 'honey flow' season. CLICK HERE to reserve your spot.
Woodbridge Community Calendar